Page:A history of Sanskrit literature (1900), Macdonell, Arthur Anthony.djvu/136

 Blessings are then invoked on the wedding procession, and a wish expressed that the newly-married couple may have many children and enjoy prosperity, long life, and freedom from disease (20-33).

The next two stanzas (34-35), containing some obscure references to the bridal garments, are followed by six others (36-41) pronounced at the wedding rite, which is again brought into connection with the marriage of Sūryā. The bridegroom here thus addresses the bride:—


 * I grasp thy hand that I may gain good fortune,
 * That thou may'st reach old age with me thy husband.
 * Bhaga, Aryaman, Savitṛi, Puraṃdhi,
 * The gods have given thee to share my household.

The god of fire is at the same time invoked:—


 * To thee, O Agni, first they led
 * Bright Sūryā with the bridal throng:
 * So in thy turn to husbands give
 * A wife along with progeny.

The concluding verses (42-47) are benedictions pronounced on the newly-wedded couple after the bride has arrived at her future home:—


 * Here abide; be not divided;
 * Complete life's whole allotted span,
 * Playing with your sons and grandsons,
 * Rejoicing in your own abode.

The last stanza of all is spoken by the bridegroom:—


 * May all the gods us two unite,
 * May Waters now our hearts entwine;
 * May Mātariçvan and Dhātri,
 * May Deshṭrī us together join.

There are five hymns, all in the last book (x. 14-18), which are more or less concerned with funeral rites.